Catheter bag and kit therefor

ABSTRACT

A catheter bag of unique design and construction which is ideally suitable for hospital use and easily adapted for ambulatory patient usage wherein the low cost of the catheter unit makes it readily disposable. Also, disclosed is a cetherization kit utilizing the unique catheter bag wherein the kit contains all of the necessaries essential for effective catheterization in an assemblage which lends itself for usage, not only in hospitals, but convalescent homes, doctor&#39;&#39;s offices and other instances, where it is desired to relieve urinary distention or have the collection of a sterile urine specimen.

United States Patent [1 1 Riedell I 1 Oct. 2, 1973 CATHETER BAG AND KIT THEREFOR Edwin H. Riedell, 2621 Gordon, La Hahra, Calif.

[22] Filed: June 22, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 265,222

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 128/2 F, 128/227, 128/275, 128/295 [51] Int. Cl... A6lm 3/00, A61m 7/02, A61m 25/00 [58] Field of Search 128/2 F, DIG. 24, 128/275, 295, 227, 294; 229/53 [56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS 2,784,7l6 3/1957 Broman 128/227 2,789,728 4/1957 Britton l28/DIG. 24

2,856,932 10/1958 Grifi'ltts 128/294 3,0()l,565 9/1901 Beach lZli/DIG. 24

Primary Examiner-Aldrich F. Medbery Armrney'lhomas P. Mahoney et al.

57 ABSTRACT A catheter bag of unique design and construction which is ideally suitable for hospital use and easily adapted for ambulatory patient usage wherein the low cost of the catheter unit makes it readily disposable. Also, disclosed is a cetherization kit utilizing the unique catheter bag wherein the kit contains all of the necessaries essential for effective catheterization in an assemblage which lends itself for usage, not only in hospitals, but convalescent homes, doctors offices and other instances, where it is desired to relieve urinary distention or have the collection of a sterile urine specimen.

15 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures CATHETER BAG AND KIT THEREFOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In many instances, after surgery and in instances requiring the taking of a urine sample, psychological or physiological difficulties arise with respect to an individual being capable of delivering a urinary specimen. In some instances, the inability may create urinary distention of the bladder thereby causing great pain and discomfort.

I-Ieretofore, the prior art has suggested catheters and collectors of one type or another, but none which fill the needs of a unique, low-cost, functional design which, because of its low cost, is readily disposable. Additionally, catheterization equipment is somewhat sophisticated in respect to its utilization whereas with the present invention, the complexities of catheterization are all but eliminated in that the catheter bag of this invention and the kit with which it is associated, is easy to use and permits catheterization in a sterile manner.

In some instances, where continual catheterization is necessary, the prior art has not made adequate provision for the ambulatory patient but with the hereindisclosed invention, a continual catheterization may be had without curtailing or interfering with the movement of the individual being catheterized.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a catheter bag of unique design and configuration.

It is another object of the invention to provide a catheter bag which is made of low-cost materials.

It is another object of the invention to provide a catheter bag which is adapted to retain a catheter in captive relationship therein.

It is another further important object of the invention to provide a catheter bag comprising a pair of plastic sheets sealed along themajority of itsperimetric edges to thereby form a bag wherein an inwardly-spaced passageway is formed by intermitted fusion bonds of the opposed plastic sheets.

It is another and still further important object of the invention to provide a catheter bag having a'discontinuous passageway, inwardly spaced from the lateral side of the bag to form a receiving means for a catheter which is slidably disposable therein and which is extendable in use.

It is another and still further important object of the invention to provide a catheter bag that is easy to use and wherein collected fluid is not easily spilled or lost.

It is still a further important object of'this invention to provide a catheter bag which may be. used with ambulatory'patients.

It is still another and further specific object of the invention to provide a catheter bag fabricated of transparent plastic sheets which are heatsealed to one another in a manner to meet the requirements of catheterization.

It is another further and still more specific object of the invention to provide a catheterization kit for utilization in hospitals and like environs which contains all of the essentials necessary for conducting a catheterization.

It isanother further and still more important object of the invention to provide a catheterization kit containing a catheter and catheter bag which are easy to use and which may be safely and effectively applied to a patient or the like to be catheterized.

Generally speaking, the invention relates to a catheter bag comprising a pair of plastic sheets in opposed relationship having a configuration defining at least an inlet end, such sheets being secured at least along the major portion of their perimetric edges to thereby form a container. The bag has an elongate extending portion adjacent said at least an inlet end and is provided with a plurality of spaced securement joints inwardly spaced from a lateral perimetric edge of said bag thereby defining a discontinuous passageway communicating said at least an inlet with the remainder of the bag. An opening is positioned in one of the sheets adjacent said at least an inlet end. A catheter is telescopically and captively received within said passageway and is adapted to have one end thereof extend and project through said opening. The catheter is normally in place, but may be removed from its confining passageway. In another embodiment, a catheterization kit is provided utilizing the unique catheter bag of this invention.

These and other further objects of the invention will become apparent from the hereinafter following com mentary taken in conjunction with the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the kit of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a pair of rubber gloves as is contained in the kit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a drape sheet or towel included in the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates a sterile waterproof towel includeable in the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates two cotton-type balls includeable in the kit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates a packet of lubricating jelly for use of the catheterization kit;

FIG. 7 illustrates a portion package of an antiseptic solution;

FIG. 8 illustrates a container for the solution contained in the package shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative showing of an embodiment of the catheter bag useful for ambulatory patients;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the catheter bag of the invention showing the catheter telescopically received therein and shown in dotted line;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary illustration of the catheter bag of this invention showing the end of the catheter in extended position; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST EMBODIMENTS CONTEMPLATED Referring to the figures of drawing wherein like numerals of reference designate like elements throughout, it is seen that the catheter bag 2 of the invention comprises a pair of plastic sheets 4 and 6 secured along the perimetric edge 8 by means of heat seal to form a fusion bond or the like and in the embodiment shown in FIGS. l0, l1 and 12 the seal is formed along the entire peripheral edge 8.

The plastic sheets 4 and 6 are preferably transparent so as to be able to inspect the amount of urine collected within the'confines of the container lO formed by opposed plastic sheets 4 and 6. Graduation marks may be placed on the exterior of either of the sheets 4 or 6 in order to indicate the collected volume of urine.

The sheets 4 and 6 are of a configuration to define at least an inlet end 12, which it will be noted is in communication to an elongate extending portion 14 which is in direct communication to a passageway 16 inwardly spaced from the lateral edge of catheter bag 2.

Passageway 16 is formed by discontinuous securement lines or joints 18 which in this instance, are heat seal juncture points forming a fusion bond between opposed sheets 4 and 6. It will be noted that the passageway 16 extends from the inlet end 12 into the interior of bag 2.

Sheet 4 is provided with an aperture 20 adjacent the inlet end 12 and communicates to the passageway 16. Disposed within passageway 13 in telescopic, moveable and captive relationship, is catheter 22.

Catheter 22 has a smooth tip'insertion end 24 of the usual variety having spaced apertures 26 as is usually the case, and has a flexible plastic remainder 28 of selected length, in this instance of a 12 inch size, and has a larger cylindrical plastic end member 30 which is slightly larger in circumference than the diameter of aperture 20 thereby preventing accidental removal of the catheter from the catheter bag 2.

In normal position, the catheter 22 is entirely received within the chamber 10 of catheter bag 2, assuming the dotted line position as shown in FIG. 10. A square of adhesive tape 32 may be positioned on the surface of sheet 4 adjacent aperture 20. This effectively retains the catheter 28 within the bag. For utilization of the catheter bag and catheterization kit, the square of adhesive 32 is removed tO allow the smooth tip end 24 to be fed through passageway 16 and ultimately through the aperture 20 in sheet 4 whereby the end 24 may be inserted for the catheterization process.

Obviously, after catheterization and where it is necessary to preserve the urine specimen in catheter bag 2, the adhesive square 32 is placed over the aperture 20 to prevent spilling. After catheterization, the catheter 28 may be repositioned as shown in FIG. 10 or may be entirely extracted merely by extending catheter 28 outside of the bag and forcing the end 30 through aperture 20 and because the sheet 4 is of stretchable or flexible nature, the end 30 will pass through upon the application of sufficient force to cause distention of the aperture 20 to allow passage therethrough.

To utilize the kit as shown in FIG. 1, the exterior wrap 34 may be removed to permit access into the interior of the container 36 within which is a pair of sterile rubber gloves 38 and a sterile waterproof towel 40 along with a drape sheet 42 of conventional type having a central aperture 44.

The initial step after opening of the kit shown in FIG. 1 is for the technician or doctor to put on the sterile rubber gloves 38 and prep the patient as by placement of the drape cloth 42 with the pubic area centrally disclosed within the aperture 44 thereof. The adhesive square 32 is removed from the surface of the sheet 4 and the smooth end of the catheter 24 positioned in the aperture 20 as shown in FIG. 11, the desired length or distance, depending upon whether the patient to be catheterized is male or female.

The patient may be prepped also with the antiseptic solution contained within the preportioned packet 46 for which the cotton balls 48 are provided for dipping into the antiseptic solution contained within the containcr 50. Having sterilized the immediate area, the package of lubricant 52 is opened and the lubricant inserted along a majority of the end 24 of catheter 28 to facilitate the catheterization process.

Upon termination of the procedure, the catheter 28 is removed and may be either repositioned as shown in FIG. 10 or entirely extracted as previously disclosed. If the collected urine specimen is to be saved, the piece of adhesive square 32 is repositioned as shown in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the catheter bag of this invention is illustrated. Herein, essentially the same construction is utilized but instead the catheter bag 62 is provided with an outlet end 64 such that the perimetric edge 66 is not entirely heat sealed or fuse bonded. A catheter 68 is disposed in bag 62 such as previously described for the bag 2 embodiment and additionally, a pair of belts such as 70 and 72, with buckles 74 are provided, by which means the bag 62 may be used on an ambulatory patient while catheterization is taking place. It will be noted that the surface of bag 62 is marked with cc. graduation marks 76 so as to indicate the volume of collected urine. The outlet 64 is provided with a clamping means 78 which allows for doubling of the outlet end 64 upon itself and the clamping thereof with the means 78 so as to form an effective valve. Obviously, other valve means or expedients will suggest themselves.

Thus, there has been disclosed a catheter bag and catheterization kit which is easy to use, economical and provides attributes which catheter and catheterization kits have not employed in the prior art. Various modifications and changes will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art but all such changes and modifications are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A catheter bag comprising a pair of plastic sheets in opposed relationship having a configuration defining at least an inlet end, said sheets being secured at least along a major portion of their perimetric edges to thereby form a container; said bag having an elongate, extending portion adjacent said at least an inlet end and a plurality of spaced securement joints inwardly spaced from a lateral perimetric edge of said bag thereby defining a discontinuous passageway communicating said at least an inlet end with the remainder of said bag; an opening adjacent said at least an inlet end; and a catheter telescopically, c'aptively received within said passageway and adapted to have one end thereof extend and project through said opening.

2. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plastic sheets are heat sealable and are secured along said perimetric edges by a fusion bond.

3. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 2 wherein said securement joints defining said passageway are spaced, heat seal lines defining fusion bonds.

4. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein said catheter is flexible and is normally re-' ceived within said bag.

5. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 4 wherein the end opposite the catheterizing end of said catheter is provided with a captive means to prohibit and limit movement of said catheter through said opening.

6. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 5 wherein said catheter is a smooth-walled plastic tube having a plastic cylindrical member secured to said end opposite said catheterizing end.

7. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said cylinder is normally incapable of passing through said opening except under conditions whereby said opening is stretched to accommodate said passage.

8. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 7 wherein said opening is formed by an aperture in one of said plastic sheets, said opening being aligned with said passageway.

9. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 8 wherein said catheter and plastic sheets are transparent.

10. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein a lower portion of said bag is provided with a discharge opening.

11. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 10 wherein said bag is provided with graduated markings on the side thereof to indicate volume measure.

12. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 11 wherein the lateral sides of said bag are provided with fastening means whereby said bag may be secured to an ambulatory patient.

13. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 12 wherein said fastening means comprise straps and cooperating buckles.

14. A catheterization kit comprising the combination of: a catheter bag comprisinG a pair of plastic sheets in opposed relationship having a configuration defining an inlet end and said sheets being secured at least along a major portion of their perimetric edges to thereby form a container; said bag having an elongate extending portion adjacent said at least an inlet end and a plurality of spaced fusion bonds inwardly spaced from a lateral edge of said bag to thereby form a discontinuous passageway communicating said at least an inlet end with the remainder of said bag; an opening in one of said sheets adjacent said at least inlet end; a flexible catheter telescopically and captively received within said passageway and adapted to have one end thereof extend and project through said opening; a pair of sterile rubber gloves; a drape sheet for draping the pubic area of a patient; a preportioned package of lubricant jelly; a preportioned package of antiseptic solution and an external package within which to contain the elements of said kit in sterilized fashion.

15. The catheterization kit in accordance with claim 14 which additionally includes cotton balls, a container for the antiseptic solution and a sterile waterproof towel. 

1. A catheter bag comprising a pair of plastic sheets in opposed relationship having a configuration defining at least an inlet end, said sheets being secured at least along a major portion of their perimetric edges to thereby form a container; said bag having an elongate, extending portion adjacent said at least an inlet end and a plurality of spaced securement joints inwardly spaced from a lateral perimetric edge of said bag thereby defining a discontinuous passageway communicating said at least an inlet end with the remainder of said bag; an opening adjacent said at least an inlet end; and a catheter telescopically, captively received within said passageway and adapted to have one end thereof extend and project through said opening.
 2. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein said plastic sheets are heat sealable and are secured along said perimetric edges by a fusion bond.
 3. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 2 wherein said securement joints defining said passageway are spaced, heat seal lines defining fusion bonds.
 4. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein said catheter is flexible and is normally received within said bag.
 5. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 4 wherein the end opposite the catheterizing end of said catheter is provided with a captive means to prohibit and limit movement of said catheter through said opening.
 6. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 5 wherein said catheter is a smooth-walled plastic tube having a plastic cylindrical member secured to said end opposite said catheterizing end.
 7. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 6 wherein said cylinder is normally incapable of passing through said opening except under conditions whereby said opening is stretched to accommodate said passage.
 8. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 7 wherein said opening is formed by an aperture in one of said plastic sheets, said opening being aligned with said passageway.
 9. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 8 wherein said catheter and plastic sheets are transparent.
 10. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 1 wherein a lower portion of said bag is provided with a discharge opening.
 11. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 10 wherein said bag is provided with graduated markings on the side thereof to indicate volume measure.
 12. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 11 wherein the lateral sides of said bag are provided with fastening means whereby said bag may be secured to an ambulatory patient.
 13. The catheter bag in accordance with claim 12 wherein said fastening means comprise straps and cooperating buckles.
 14. A catheterization kit comprising the combination of: a catheter bag comprisinG a pair of plastic sheets in opposed relationship having a configuration defining an inlet end and said sheets being secured at least along a major portion of their perimetric edges to thereby form a container; said bag having an elongate extending portion adjacent said at least an inlet end and a plurality of spaced fusion bonds inwardly spaced from a lateral edge of said bag to thereby form a discontinuous passageway communicating said at least an inlet end with thE remainder of said bag; an opening in one of said sheets adjacent said at least inlet end; a flexible catheter telescopically and captively received within said passageway and adapted to have one end thereof extend and project through said opening; a pair of sterile rubber gloves; a drape sheet for draping the pubic area of a patient; a preportioned package of lubricant jelly; a preportioned package of antiseptic solution and an external package within which to contain the elements of said kit in sterilized fashion.
 15. The catheterization kit in accordance with claim 14 which additionally includes cotton balls, a container for the antiseptic solution and a sterile waterproof towel. 